Social Service Worker
9-Month Certificate at Castlegar
Delivered with the following methods: On Campus
Program Calendar
2012
- January 3 - Winter semester instruction begins
- February 13 - 17 - Reading break
- April 5 - Winter semester instruction ends
- September 4 – Get Connected student orientation
- September 5 – Fall semester instruction begins
- December 7 – Fall semester instruction ends
- December 10 – 21 – Fall semester examinations
2013
- January 2 – Winter semester instruction begins
- February 11-15 – Reading Break
- April 5 – Winter semester instruction ends
- April 8-16 – Winter semester examinations
Program Objectives
The Social Service Worker program at Selkirk College is a challenging, exciting program that introduces students to the helping professions. Social Work values form the foundation of this beneficial and rewarding program. Graduates of the Social Service Worker program are prepared to practice in a number of Community Service agencies, institutions and schools. Students gain a firm and appropriate base for continuing their professional education in either Child and Youth Care or Social Work.
Students are introduced to the profession of social work, to social justice, and the theoretical underpinnings of human service practice. The program teaches practical interviewing, communication and support skills that include individual, group and family strategies. There is an emphasis on both written and oral communication as well as on the promotion of self awareness, personal growth and readiness for practice. Critical thinking, team building and problem solving skills are integral parts of the training. An appreciation for diversity of people and practices is modelled and anti-oppressive perspectives are promoted.
Practicum provides an opportunity to explore a variety of services and programs serving a wide range of populations that includes people who are poor, are young, are aging, have mental health problems, have behavioral problems, or other issues that interfere with their ability to cope successfully in a demanding society. The program prepares students to work as entry level practitioners in the Human Services field. A commitment to life-long learning is emphasized and modeled in the Social Service Worker program.
Degree and Diploma Options
This certificate serves as a prerequisite for entry into the Human Services Diploma. Completion of the Human Services Diploma provides students with sufficient credit to enter third year of a Child and Youth Care, Bachelor of Social Work Degree, or a Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation, depending on the selection of elective courses.
Please see diagram:Human Services Programs Chart
Admission Requirements
Students may complete the program on a full or part-time basis. All qualified applicants are required to have their planned program reviewed by a program instructor who will provide advice regarding the selection of appropriate full and part-time options.
In addition to meeting the general entrance requirements for Admission to Selkirk College, an applicant must meet the following Social Service Worker program requirements:
- Grade 12 or equivalent (consideration will be given to mature students).
- English 12 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better. (or a minimum Language Proficiency Score (LPI) of level 4).
- A completed application form.
- Résumé.
- Two completed personal reference forms.
- Official copies of all relevant transcripts.
- Completed criminal record check.
- A work reference based on 60 hours of paid or volunteer social services related work experience.
- Driver's licence and transportation.
Career Potential
Employment opportunities exist in a wide range of settings including private social agencies, schools, and non-profit and government organizations. Graduates of the Selkirk College Social Service Worker program have found employment as child & youth care workers, community youth workers, adolescent group home workers, transition house workers, geriatric workers, mental health outreach workers & in group homes and hospital social service workers.
Students interested in pursuing a degree in Social Work or Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria can graduate with up to 18 university transfer units (36 credits) [six of those units (12 credits) are “unassigned credit” available to applicants who have completed a recognized paraprofessional program]. Students interested in a BSW degree or a CYC degree in Child and Youth Care should confirm details with the University of Victoria, Vancouver Island University, University of the Fraser Valley or Douglas College. For a BSW degree students should contact University of Victoria, Thompson Rivers University, University College of the Fraser Valley, and the University of Northern BC.
Note: With increased employer expectations for work readiness, the Human Services Diploma broadens one's scope of employment and income potential.
Approximate Expenses
Total program expenses are comprised of both College Fees and Program Specific Fees.
Practicum Requirements
Program practicum requirements include both field observations and field work.
Program Courses
Course of Studies
Translation key:
- Crd = Credits
- Lec = Lecture Hours per week;
- Lab = Lab Hours per week;
- Ttl = Total course hours
Courses marked as (D) are available via Distance Education.
| Course | Name | Cred | Lec | Lab | Ttl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Term 1 |
|||||
| ENGL 110 (D) | College Composition | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| FAM 180 | Family Dynamics | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| HSER 174 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| PSYC 100 (D) | Introductory Psychology I | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Introduction to Social Work | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| SSW 162 | Community Resources | 5 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Total: | 20 | 14 | 4 | 19 | |
| Course | Name | Cred | Lec | Lab | Ttl |
Term 2 |
|||||
| Introduction to Addiction | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| ENGL 111 (D) | Introduction to Literature | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| PSYC 101 (D) | Introductory Psychology II | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| SSW 157 | Group Skills | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| SSW 161 | Introduction to Social Policy | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| SSW 163 | Field Work I | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Application of Theory to Practice | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Total: | 19.5 | 15 | 0 | 25 | |
| Course | Name | Cred | Lec | Lab | Ttl |
Term 3 |
|||||
| Field Work II (Block Placement) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 35 | |
| Total: | 5 | 0 | 0 | 35 | |
ENGL 110 College Composition
Students needing a year of Introductory English may choose to take English 110/111 or English 112/114. English 112/114 focuses on reading and interpretation of literature, and is an attractive alternative to English 110/111 for students wishing to continue in the study of Arts or Humanities.
English 110: College Composition is designed to enable the student to produce clear, coherent and fully developed essays. The course covers academic writing styles, rhetorical modes, editing techniques and research practices.
Prerequisites:
A “C” or better in ENGL 12 or equivalent or LPI level 4.
This course is available via Distance Education.
FAM 180 Family Dynamics
This course is designed to provide students with a variety of theoretical perspectives to understanding families. It considers the diversity of families including exploration of cultural differences, same-sex parents, single parents and blended families. The role of marriage is examined, as well as childbearing and socialization. Issues such as middle age, empty nest, aging in the family, and special concerns such as chronic illness, disability, alcoholism, violence, and poverty are introduced.
Prerequisites:
ENGL 12 or equivalent.
HSER 174 Interpersonal Communications
Provides the student with an opportunity to examine personal goals, values and attitudes; develop and practice listening and responding skills, and become more aware of personal strengths and limitations. Designed to help gain self-understanding in order to be more effective in working with people.
PSYC 100 Introductory Psychology I
An introduction to the methods, theory and practice of psychology as a science. Among others, topics will include motivation and emotion, learning and memory, biological foundations, sensation and perception. Other topics are added at the discretion of the individual instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.
Prerequisites:
ENGL 12 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better or written permission of the Instructor and School Chair.
This course is available via Distance Education.
SSW 160 Introduction to Social Work
This course is designed to introduce students to the practice of social work considering the ideological and historical influences which have shaped social work in Canada. The value, knowledge and skill foundations to this challenging profession are investigated. Further, it explores the roles of social workers and their methods of intervention based on several practice frameworks, including systems, strengths perspectives, structural, feminist and Aboriginal approaches. Throughout the course, the present trends and directions of the profession and field are discussed.
Prerequisites:
ENGL 12 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
SSW 162 Community Resources
This course is designed to provide an orientation to professionals and agencies providing social services in the West Kootenay as well as to prepare students for practicum activities. Students visit a variety of settings where services are available to deal with a wide range of issues. Resource people are brought in to furnish workshops and information which supplements the course content. The course is an introduction to the notion of applying theory to practice. These experiences should assist students in making their choice of field placement for the winter term as well as increasing their understanding of the depth and breadth of the social service system in this area. Data collection, observation and analytical skills will be developed and demonstrated through this course.
ADD 184 Introduction to Addiction
This course is designed as an introduction to the study of addiction, both substance and behavioural. Current research in the pharmacological, physiological, social and spiritual causes of addiction are considered as well as current models for understanding dependence, recovery and relapse. Students learn how the addictive process is assessed and treated based on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the client. Family support, self-help programs, harm reduction and current trends in addictive substances and behaviours are also explored.
Prerequisites:
ENGL 12 or equivalent.
ENGL 111 Introduction to Literature
Students needing a year of introductory English may choose to take English 110/111 or English 112/114. English 112/114 focuses on reading and interpretation of literature, and is an attractive alternative to English 110/111 for students wishing to continue in the study of Arts or Humanities.
English 111 is a one-semester introduction to literary genres through the study of drama, poetry, the short story, and the novel. The course will give students the opportunity to read, discuss, and write about texts in the different genres.
Prerequisites:
ENGL 110 with a grade of "C" or better.
This course is available via Distance Education.
PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology II
Topics include thinking and other cognitive processes, development of the individual, personality, behaviour disorders, health and social psychology. Other topics are added at the discretion of the instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts.
Prerequisites:
PSYC 100 with a grade of "C" or better or written permission of the Instructor and School Chair.
This course is available via Distance Education.
SSW 157 Group Skills
Effective social service workers need a good understanding of groups and group skills. This knowledge and skill development can be applied to a large number of settings: in the workplace as a team member; working with specific client groups including children, adolescents, families, special interest groups, learning and discussion groups; planning, implementing and evaluating community development work. Students will work in groups to gain first-hand experience in group dynamics.
SSW 161 Introduction to Social Policy
Social issues confront us every day in our dealings with people and governments. This course will examine some of the issues and how they have developed, how they are handled politically, what services exist to meet social problems we all encounter (e.g. gender issues, First Nation issues, poverty, child abuse, alcoholism, crime, families in conflict, etc.) and what might be done to improve the human condition.
Prerequisites:
ENGL 110 or equivalent.
SSW 163 Field Work I
This Winter semester of practical experience in a social service organization involves a one week orientation followed by one day a week in the field placement. Required competencies must be demonstrated at an appropriate level in order to advance to final practicum course.
Prerequisites:
Completion of all first semester courses.
SSW 166 Application of Theory to Practice
This weekly on-line seminar in the Winter semester is for students enroled in SSW 163. Discussions will focus on field placement activities. The emphasis of the course is on applying the theory of social services to its practice.
SSW 168 Field Work II (Block Placement)
A full time work study program for five weeks after Winter semester that affords the student an opportunity to practice the skills learned in the previous two semesters. Field work provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate competency required for permanent employment in Social Service Agencies. On-line weekly seminars will support this practicum.
Prerequisites:
SSW 163 and completion of all program courses.
Staff
The following staff are associated with this program:
Deb Wandler
Instructor
Direct: 250.365.1362
Tel: 250.365.7292 Ext. 362
Room A-34
Email
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Kay Armstrong
Instructor
Direct: 250.304.6502
Tel: 250.365.7292 Ext. 502
Room A-33
Email
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Leslie Comrie
Instructor
Direct: 250.365.1322
Tel: 250.365.7292 Ext. 322
Room 0-019
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